Pune, October 23: East Bengal FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Inter Kashi 5-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday. Aké Loba scored twice, while Dani Ramírez, PV Vishnu and substitute Lukasz Zwolinski also found the net to complete a comprehensive victory for the Torchbearers.

East Bengal made a flying start, with Ramírez opening the scoring in the eighth minute. The attacker received the ball on the right side of the penalty area before lifting it over Inter Kashi goalkeeper Albino Gomes to put his team ahead.

The Torchbearers doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through Vishnu, who capped a swift counterattack with a left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner. Loba provided the assist as East Bengal continued to exploit spaces in the opposition defence.

Loba made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute after Ramírez was brought down inside the penalty area by Wayne Vaz. The forward confidently converted the resulting spot-kick, sending his right-footed effort into the top-right corner to register his first goal of the season.

Inter Kashi pulled one back in the 28th minute when Lalchungnunga scored an own goal, offering the visitors a brief lifeline. However, East Bengal maintained their attacking momentum, with Loba completing his brace before half-time to establish a commanding 4-1 lead.

With his side firmly in control, East Bengal head coach Habas made several changes at the start of the second half. Rashid, Loba and Vipin Singh were substituted as the coach looked to manage player workloads and provide opportunities to younger members of the squad.

East Bengal subsequently adopted a more measured approach, prioritising possession and avoiding unnecessary risks. Inter Kashi attempted to mount a comeback but struggled to break through the Torchbearers’ defence.

Zwolinski added the finishing touch in the 81st minute, scoring his first ISL goal for East Bengal. The substitute converted from close range with a left-footed strike into the bottom-left corner following an assist from Christopher Ikonomidis.

The emphatic win showcased East Bengal’s attacking depth, with five goalscorers contributing to a dominant display against Inter Kashi.